Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect – Council Hall
As the wealthiest sect on the continent, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's commercial interests spanned the four seas. Every day, Sect Master Ning Bowen meticulously reviewed reports flowing in from the empires—especially the latest dispatches from the Sun Moon Empire.
Seated at the head of the hall, his expression grave, Ning Bowen flipped through documents just arrived from Sun Moon territory, occasionally exchanging murmured insights with the two Grand Elders present: Ye Xuanji and Zhi Yong.
"It seems Sun Moon's new policies are far from favorable to merchants from the original three nations of Douluo Continent," Ning Bowen said, brow furrowed as he tapped his cane—a clear sign of inner turmoil.
Four thousand years had passed since the Holy War, and peace between Douluo Continent and Sun Moon Continent had held—albeit uneasily. Though the Three Nations and Sun Moon Empire distrusted one another, trade had flourished, especially over the past thirty years.
But now… everything was changing.
Sun Moon had revised its tariffs, drastically increasing transaction costs for merchants from the Three Nations. Worse, tariffs on everyday essentials—food, clothing, housing, transport—were rising faster than even the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could profit.
After a long silence, Ning Bowen sighed.
"The storm clouds gather. Sun Moon's ambition is clear—they're preparing for war, ensuring they won't be strangled by supply shortages when conflict erupts. And once again—just as ten thousand and four thousand years ago—our sect stands at a crossroads. We must decide our path."
"There's still time," Zhi Yong countered, his usually grim face softening with confidence. "It'll take Sun Moon at least twenty years to fully sever our economic influence. By then, Junting and Wu Feng will have matured—and we elders? With effort, I'll reach Level 98, Ye Xuanji Level 97. Five or more Super Douluos, amplified by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, can shield the sect."
Ye Xuanji nodded silently. Twenty years was ample time to break through.
"Perhaps," Ning Bowen said diplomatically—but inwardly, he doubted them.
Even if they survived the war's aftermath, he feared the sect couldn't withstand Sun Moon's true weapon: soul engineering.
What if the Mingde Hall developed soul engineering devices capable of threatening Limit Douluos? The sect would be doomed.
That was why he desperately hoped for a Rank 9 Soul Engineer within their ranks—someone who could counter Sun Moon's technological edge.
Just then, a white-robed disciple knocked and entered.
"Sect Master! Young Mistress Ning Tian, Young Master Chen Junting, and Miss Wu Feng have returned from Shrek Academy. They've just arrived at the sect's main square!"
"Ah!" Ning Bowen's face lit up, all worry vanishing. He checked the calendar. "Of course—it's been nearly a year since they left. Accounting for soul hunts and travel, today's their homecoming."
He turned to the disciple. "Inform the kitchen—prepare a grand luncheon to welcome them."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
As the disciple hurried off, Ning Bowen chuckled to the Grand Elders. "When I returned from Shrek my first year, I brought back talents who now form the sect's backbone—Tai Yu, Zi Han, Qing Lan—all Grand Elders now. The rest are core pillars."
Ye Xuanji, his Level 97 cultivation granting him near-omniscient awareness, had already sensed the group outside. He smiled. "These children… all exceptional seedlings."
Moments later, the hall doors swung open. Bathed in sunlight, three figures stepped in.
At the center, Ning Tian wore an elegant white palace gown, her golden hair flowing like liquid light, accentuating her regal grace.
To her right, Wu Feng blazed in crimson battle attire, fiery hair framing her wild, untamed beauty.
To her left, Chen Junting stood in a gold-embroidered robe—dignified yet striking, his snow-white hair shimmering like drawn swordlight.
Free of academy uniforms, their true brilliance shone.
"Greetings, Sect Master and Grand Elders," the trio intoned in unison.
Behind them, their Shrek classmates—now prospective sect members—stood nervously. Before them stood the leaders of the continent's most powerful auxiliary sect. Yet their eyes burned with hope: this was their chance to join a legacy.
Ning Bowen, flanked by Ye Xuanji and Zhi Yong, approached with warmth.
"Welcome home—and welcome to you all."
He waved off their bows. "No need for formality. You're Xiao Tian's friends, so consider us merely her father and grandfathers. Call us elders—not Sect Master or Grand Elders."
His humility instantly eased their tension, endearing him—and the sect—to them.
Ning Bowen then turned to his daughter. "Introduce your friends."
Ning Tian beamed, stepping first to Huo Yuhao.
"Father, this is Huo Yuhao—his martial soul is a Body Martial Soul: Eyes, linked to his brain. In just one year of soul engineering studies, he's already a Level 2 Soul Engineer."
Huo Yuhao bowed deeply. "Sect Master."
"One year to Level 2?" Ning Bowen's eyes gleamed with undisguised admiration. "Yuhao, I've heard of you. Your soul power may be modest, but such progress in soul engineering is extraordinary. You might well become our sect's first Rank 9 Soul Engineer."
Huo Yuhao flushed with pride—especially when Ning Bowen added warmly, "From now on, call me Uncle Ning."
Ning Tian continued:
"This is Dugu Xin…"
"She's Xiao Xiao…"
"…"
As she named each, Ning Bowen nodded approvingly—delighted to learn of Xiao Xiao's twin martial souls and the Lan sisters' fusion skill.
Meanwhile, Chen Junting stood beside Ye Xuanji.
"Master."
Ye Xuanji studied him for a long moment, then smiled—half proud, half incredulous. "You've broken through to Level 40? Did you absorb that soul bone?"
"No," Chen Junting admitted. To this man who'd raised him like a son, he spoke plainly. "Do you recall the Soul-Devouring Carving Knife? I purified it completely through an opportunity I encountered—and gained much from the refined blade."
"The soul ring came from a 10,000-year Golden Demon Bird."
"I see," Ye Xuanji said, stroking his beard in deep satisfaction. He even shot Zhi Yong a smug glance—boasting about his disciple. Chen Junting pretended not to notice, eyes lowered demurely.
"Since you're at Level 40, it's time," Ye Xuanji declared. "I'll take you to the sect's treasury soon—you're ready for a secret technique."
"Thank you, Master."
"Don't thank me—it was always meant for you."
Notably, Ye Xuanji never asked about the knife again. As long as it didn't harm his disciple, he'd let Chen Junting walk his own path.
Soon, introductions concluded—and every Shrek student eagerly accepted the sect's open invitation.
Just then, a kitchen attendant arrived:
"The meal is ready."
And so, beneath the sect's golden roofs, a feast began—not just to welcome home heroes, but to forge a new generation of legends.
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